Dr. Deepak Ragoori, Senior Consultant Urologist and Fecility Director, Asian Institute of Nephrology and Urology (AINU) Hitec-City

This term is frequently mentioned in urology clinics by men aged 30 to 90 years. While many are aware of issues like prostate cancer and prostate enlargement, a less understood and often neglected condition is "prostatitis." This lack of awareness contributes to the problem.

Prostatitis affects approximately 10-12% of men, mainly between the ages of 30 and 50, according to existing literature. However, we believe that the incidence is much higher among Indian men, as the current data is not extensive or accurate. Furthermore, prostatitis is diagnosed based on clinical signs and symptoms rather than through laboratory tests and scans, which makes it a diagnostic challenge.

The causes of prostatitis are diverse, with the most common being an ascending infection from the urethra (the urinary passage). Other causes include unprotected sexual intercourse, urethral stricture, and prostate enlargement, which can lead to urinary stasis in the bladder. Additionally, tuberculosis, which is prevalent in India, is also a known cause of prostatitis.

Men experiencing prostatitis often present with symptoms such as a burning sensation during urination, pain while passing urine, increased frequency of urination, discomfort in the scrotum and perineum, post-ejaculatory pain, and to some extent, erectile dysfunction and blood in semen. These symptoms tend to be vague and irritating rather than acute and severe, which often leads patients to delay seeking help from a urologist. An acute form prostatitis will have intense pain while passing urine and high grade fever.

Patients with prostatitis are primarily managed with medications. However, compliance can be challenging because these medications are slow-acting and typically prescribed for long durations, often lasting 4 to 6 weeks. Additionally, the recurrence of symptoms is commonly observed. In cases of acute prostatitis that lead to a prostate abscess, surgical intervention is necessary. Chronic prostatitis, on the other hand, involves patients experiencing recurrent, vague symptoms that can persist for years, making treatment quite difficult.

It is essential for men to be aware of these conditions so they can consult an experienced urologist in a timely manner and receive appropriate treatment. Delaying treatment can significantly impact quality of life. With adequate information about the disease and access to quality healthcare, we are confident that men will successfully seek treatment for prostatitis rather than endure the ongoing challenges it presents.